Mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a tipi raising at Fort Saskatchewan's Historic Precinct Tuesday.

The ceremony is the climax of the Healing Hands of Reconciliation project, underway since spring.

Fort residents have been invited to sign a commemorative book and paint a handprint on the tipi canvas at Dreamcatchers Gift & Art Gallery. Everyone signing the book must also make a pledge to reconciliation.

Some 550 handprints have been placed on the canvas as of last week, says Dreamcatchers owner and artist Ellie Lagrandeur. Each handprint will be a sign of solidarity and support for indigenous peoples and communities.

There is still time to get your hand on the canvas before the tipi goes up. Simply drop by the gallery at 10210 100 Avenue.

The tipi will be 26 feet tall and 20 feet in diameter, Lagrandeur notes. Along with the hands, it will feature a medicine wheel and the Seven Sacred Teachings.

Tuesday's event begins at 10 a.m. at the old fort site. Along with the raising of the tipi, the day includes cultural teaching and a sharing circle guided by a Knowledge Keeper, plus a free bannock and stew lunch for the first 150 attendees.

"On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, raising the Healing Hands of Reconciliation teepee within the fort is an important act of reclaiming space for Indigenous perspectives, making these voices and histories visible at the heart of our community," says Taylor Berry-Boparai, Supervisor, Fort Heritage Precinct.

“The Healing Hands of Reconciliation teepee offers the community an opportunity to engage with the Calls to Action and express that commitment through art. The Calls to Action are essential for reconciliation, providing a clear path forward, and when community members participate, this work becomes shared, meaningful, and lasting,” adds Amber Grant, Social Planning Coordinator, Family & Community Support Services.